Staff Reporter
DURING the ongoing 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah engaged with key international and continental partners to advance Namibia’s priorities in trade, health, climate resilience, and water governance. The discussions highlighted opportunities for economic growth, strengthened multilateral cooperation, and sustainable development across Africa.
In separate meetings, the President reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to deepening trade and investment ties with the United States, meeting with Florizelle Liser, President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa. She also engaged with Dr. Fatima Farouk Elsheikh, Secretary General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), to explore partnerships supporting Namibia’s national development priorities.
Photos: Namibian Presidency
Addressing global health challenges, President Nandi-Ndaitwah met with Ms. Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, emphasising the continued importance of HIV response, institutional transition, and Africa’s pursuit of health sovereignty.
Climate finance and resilience were central to discussions with Ambassador Seyni Nafo, Co-Chair of the Green Climate Fund Board. The President highlighted Namibia’s ongoing climate initiatives, including projects supported by the Fund exceeding N$900 million, and stressed the need for long-term strategies to protect vulnerable communities such as the OvaHimba in the Kunene Region.
Bilateral relations were also strengthened through talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, focusing on areas of mutual interest including health, education, agriculture, and capacity building.
Water cooperation formed another key engagement, with a high-level delegation from the Global Water Partnership, including H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, Hon. Pablo Berciartua, and Mr. Alex Simalambwi. The delegation praised Namibia for hosting the organisation’s headquarters and advancing the global water agenda. President Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed Namibia’s support for sustainable water management and highlighted the strategic role of African leadership in water governance.
On the summit margins, the President also received the Special Envoy of Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, Rt. Hon. Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, and held discussions with H.E. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, to strengthen multilateral cooperation and advance sustainable development priorities across the continent.
